The Tripura government has decided to prohibit faculty members and medical officers at the state-run GB Pant Hospital and Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) from engaging in private practice, while announcing a 20 per cent non-practice allowance to compensate for the restriction.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Tuesday that the decision was approved by the state cabinet during its meeting on Monday as part of efforts to improve healthcare services at the state's premier medical institution.
“In exchange, they will get a 20 per cent hike in basic salary as a non-practice allowance. A notification will be issued soon in this regard,” Chowdhury told reporters.
The minister said the move was aimed at ensuring better availability of doctors and improving patient satisfaction at the hospital despite significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also holds the health portfolio, has expressed concern over complaints regarding patient care and service delivery at the facility, Chowdhury said.
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“Despite the strengthening of infrastructure, complaints are being received when it comes to the satisfaction of patients. The authorities concerned have consulted with the doctors’ body before taking the decision,” he added.
According to the minister, faculty members and medical officers who wish to continue private practice would be free to resign from government service.
An official said around 350 faculty members and medical officers are currently associated with GB Pant Hospital and AGMC and will be covered under the new policy.
The government plans to initially implement the decision only at GB Pant Hospital and AGMC as a pilot exercise to assess its impact on healthcare delivery.
“Initially, the decision will be implemented only for doctors at GB Pant Hospital and AGMC as a case study, and later it could be extended to other government hospitals,” Chowdhury said.
The move reflects the state government's efforts to strengthen public healthcare services by ensuring doctors devote their full professional attention to government hospitals.
The notification detailing the implementation of the policy and the non-practice allowance is expected to be issued shortly.
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